Operation unit for an image forming apparatus with a programmable registered image forming function tab display area

ABSTRACT

A readable operation unit for an image forming apparatus displays items representative of various functions relating to image formation while classifying and dividing them on the operation unit. The operation unit includes a touch-screen panel which is substantially centered on the operation unit and various keys in a specific arrangement on the sides of the touch-screen panel so that the operator can easily understand the contents of operations in relation to the other functions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a copier, printer facsimile apparatusor similar image forming apparatus and more particularly to an operationunit including a readable screen for displaying various functionsavailable with an image forming apparatus.

It is a common practice to arrange on, e.g., an electrophotographicmachine an input device for allowing the operator to input variouscopying conditions as well as other conditions. The input deviceincludes a print start key for starting a copying operation, a stop keyfor stopping it, numeral keys for inputting, e.g., a desired number ofcopies, and a magnification set key for setting a desired magnification.

Recent diffusion of microcomputers and extension of functions availabletherewith have implemented various kinds of copiers capable of executingvarious kinds of control with microcomputers. A microcomputer-controlledcopier is capable of easily controlling a sophisticated copying processwith a control program. Further, various functions including a functionof displaying simple faults, e.g., the absence of papers and paper jamsand a function of displaying the number of copies output have been addedto the copier, making the most of the merits of a microcomputer. Anadvanced copier is capable of producing duplex copies each carryingimages on both sides thereof, capable of sorting copies one by one, orcapable of interrupting a copying operation under way, executing anothercopying operation, and resuming the previous copying operation after thecompletion of the interrupt copying operation. This kind of copier notonly promotes convenient use, but also enhances efficiency.

Different keys are assigned to the above various functions whiledifferent information relating to the functions are displayed on ascreen. The number of keys to be operated and the number of informationto be displayed naturally increase with an increase in the number offunctions available with the apparatus. It is, however, difficult toarrange all of the keys and screen in a limited flat area available onthe top of the casing of the apparatus. Should the keys and screen bereduced in size in order to be accommodated in the limited area, theywould be difficult to operate. Moreover, a number of keys arranged onthe limited area would make the operation appear troublesome to perform.This is particularly true with a dual machine having a combined copierand facsimile function or a combined copier and printer function, and amultiplex machine having a combined copier facsimile and printerfunction.

In light of the above, there has recently been put to practical use animage forming apparatus including mechanical keys implementing only astart key, numeral keys and other basic keys and a touch panelimplementing set keys and operation keys relating to various functions.The touch panel uses liquid crystal and selectively displays differentkey portions. Specifically, the apparatus displays information on abranched function step basis in order to make the screen readable, i.e.,arrange function keys in a hierarchical fashion. In addition, icons andpop-up pictures as well as devised screen layout are used for reducingtroublesome manipulation.

However, the problem with the touch panel scheme is that when theoperator performing a sequence of setting steps desires to change anycondition already set, the operator must sequentially switch the screenuntil a function step including the desired condition appears, and thenchange the condition. This operation is extremely troublesome toperform.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a readableoperation unit for an image forming apparatus capable of promoting,while arranging functions hierarchically, the easy understanding of thecontents of operation in relation to the other conditions and therebyenhancing the operator's total recognition of the set contents.

In accordance with the present invention, in an operation unit for animage forming apparatus for executing at least a part of variousfunctions relating to image formation hierarchically by switching ascreen, items representative of the various functions are displayed onthe screen while being classified and divided from each other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription taken with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a control systemincluded in an image forming apparatus to which an operation unitembodying the present invention is applied;

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a specific configuration of the operationunit;

FIG. 3 shows a specific initial picture to appear on a screen or touchpanel in a copy mode;

FIG. 4 shows a specific picture to appear on the screen for registeringor calling a program;

FIG. 5 shows another specific initial picture;

FIG. 6 shows a specific condition in which functions are set;

FIG. 7 shows a specific picture to appear during copying;

FIG. 8 shows a specific pop-up picture showing the kinds of documents indetail;

FIG. 9 is identical with FIG. 8 except that “Photo” is highlighted;

FIG. 10 shows the kinds of documents arranged in the basic picture;

FIG. 11 shows a condition wherein a slightly high image density isselected;

FIG. 12 shows a specific pop-up picture displaying details of specialdocument feed;

FIG. 13 shows a specific picture to appear at the time of manual paperfeed;

FIG. 14 shows a specific picture for selecting paper-prioritymagnification change after the selection of an integrated copyingfunction;

FIG. 15 shows a specific picture for selecting an editing function;

FIG. 16 shows a specific picture for erasing a frame;

FIG. 17 shows a specific picture for selecting a cover/slip sheetfunction;

FIG. 18 shows a specific picture for selecting aduplex/integration/division function;

FIGS. 19–22 show specific pictures relating to theduplex/integration/division function;

FIG. 23 shows a specific initial picture to appear on the screen when astored file printing function is selected;

FIG. 24 shows a specific picture for reading documents to be stored; and

FIG. 25 shows a specific picture for setting conditions after theselection of a stored file.

While FIGS. 3–25 show various information in Japanese, the informationmay, of course, be shown in any other language.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings, a control system included in animage forming apparatus is shown and includes an operation and displaysection 8. The operation and display section 8 is representative of anoperation unit embodying the present invention. As shown, amicroprocessor 1 is connected to a ROM (Read Only Memory) 3, a RAM(Random Access Memory) 4, a nonvolatile RAM (NVRAM) 5, and I/O(Input/Output) port 6 and a serial CCU (Communication Control Unit) 7 byan address, data and control bus 2. The microprocessor 1 executes aprogram assigned to the image forming apparatus. The I/O port 6 isconnected to motors, solenoids and other output loads and sensorsarranged in the image forming apparatus. The serial CCU 7 interchangessignals with the operation and display section 8.

FIG. 2 shows a specific configuration of the operation and displaysection 8. As shown, a touch panel type screen 80 is positioned atsubstantially the center of the section 8 for displaying the statuses ofthe apparatus and messages. The screen 80 is implemented by a touchpanel and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). Circuitry for detecting touchpanel keys and a coordinates detecting method are conventional and willnot be described specifically. Numeral keys and an enter key (#) 81 arearranged at the right-hand side of the screen 8. A start key 82 ispositioned at the right-hand side of the numeral keys 81 and implementedas a disk greater in diameter than the numeral keys 81. A clear/stop key83 is interposed between the numeral keys and enter key 81 and the startkey 82 for canceling a numerical value input or interrupting or ending acopying operation. Arranged above the numeral keys and enter key 81 area program key 84, a reset/preheat key 85, and an interrupt key 88. Atrial copy key 87 is positioned beneath the interrupt key 86. When aplurality of copies are desired, a trial or first copy may be producedin order to determine the quality of the image. A set/counter key 88 islocated at the top left of the screen 80 for varying initial set valuesand operating conditions in accordance with the conditions of use. Acopy function key 90, a copy server function key 91 and a printerfunction key 92 are positioned at the left-hand side of the screen 80and beneath the set/counter key 88. With these keys 90–92, the apparatusis capable of selectively functioning as a copier, a copy server or aprinter, as desired. The mechanical configuration and operation of theapparatus including such an operation and display section areconventional and will not be shown or described specifically. While theoperation and display section 8 is applied to a multiplex machine, it issimilarly applicable to a copier, facsimile apparatus, printer orsimilar singular image forming apparatus.

FIG. 3 shows a specific basic or initial picture to appear on the screen80, FIG. 2, when the apparatus is operated in a copier mode. As shown,the basic picture includes a first area 80 a allowing the operator toinput a kind of documents, desired copy density, and special documentfeed. A second area or message area 80 b displays operation statuses andmessages including “Ready to copy,” shown in FIG. 3. A third area 80 cdisplays the remaining capacity of a memory in percentage or displays aconnection copy key when a connection unit is set, as illustrated. Afourth area 80 d displays the number of documents written to the memory,the number of documents (sets of documents) set, and the number copies(sets of copies) produced. A fifth area 80 e allows the operator toselect a sort mode, a stack mode, a staple mode or a punch mode, asdesired. A sixth area 80 f displays the contents of registered functionsthat are often used. To register desired functions, the operator pressesthe program key 84, FIG. 2, in order to call a picture shown in FIG. 4.The picture shown in FIG. 4 allows the operator to register up to tendifferent functions. A seventh area 80 g displays function items (tabs).When the operator touches, e.g., a “Magnification Change” key belongingto a group of function items, a magnification change picture appearsfrom below. If desired, “Manual Feed” that is another function item mayappear when a manual feed tray, not shown, is opened.

From the copier operation standpoint, the screen 80 may be divided intoa first display section (first area 80 a) relating the handling ofdocuments, a second display section relating to the configuration ofcopies including paper size and magnification change, and a thirddisplay section (fifth area 80 e). Of course, such display sections mayoverlap each other, if desired.

FIG. 5 shows a second basic picture that is a simplified version of thebasic picture of FIG. 3 and available for a user desiring limiteddisplay. As shown, when the operator gives priority to an automaticpaper selecting function at the time of initial setting, an “Auto PaperSelection” key appears, but the kinds of paper trays do not appear. Whenthe operator does not touch the magnification change key in the basicpicture, only a “x1” key and a “Paper-Priority Magnification Change” keyappear. Further, if the operator does not touch any registered functionkey, no registered function keys appear. In the specific condition shownin FIG. 5, “Available Memory Capacity” appears in place of theconnection copy key because no connection units are set. Even suchlimited display shows the operator reading conditions, copyingconditions and whether or not a finisher is present while classing theminto discrete sections in a readable way. The operator can thereforetouch any one of such sections while recognizing the conditions of theother sections.

FIG. 6 shows a specific picture to appear when the operator selects,e.g., reduction “A3→A4/B4→B5”, duplex spread copying with simplexdocuments, sorting, and stapling papers at the top left corner in thebasic picture shown in FIG. 3. A “Confirm” key may be caused to appearfor the first time in the picture shown in FIG. 6. When the start key82, FIG. 2, is pressed, a picture shown in FIG. 7 appears. A shown, amessage “Copying” is shown in the second area 80 b while the contents ofmagnification change is shown over the sixth area 80 f and seventh area80 g. In FIG. 7, a “Reserve” key allows the operator to set the contentsof the next copying operation while the current copying operation isunder way. Specifically, when the operator touches the “Reserve” key,sets the contents of a reserve copying operation, sets documents on anADF (Automatic Document Feeder), not shown, and presses the start key,the reserve copying operation begins automatically on the completion ofthe current copying operation.

Assume that the operator touches a “Kind of Document” key in the pictureshown in FIG. 3 in order to input the kind of documents. Then, a pictureshown in FIG. 8 appears, i.e., only the contents of the first area 80 achanges. In FIG. 8, a “Text” key is assigned to documents mainlyconsisting of characters. A “Text/Photo” key is assigned to documentsconsisting of photos and characters. A “Photo” key is assigned to photosor graphics. A “Light Document” key is assigned to low density documentsincluding documents written in pencil and counterfoils; thin lines aptto appear discontinuous can be faithfully copied. A “Copy” key isassigned to the copies of documents; the thickening and defacing ofcharacters can be reduced. For example, when the operator touches the“Photo” key in the picture of FIG. 8, a picture shown in FIG. 9 appears.When the operator touches an “OK” key in the picture of FIG. 9, thebasic picture of FIG. 3 again appears. If the operator does not select“Simplified Display of Kind of Documents” at the time of initialsetting, then the kinds of documents are shown in the basic picture, asshown in FIG. 10.

As for the density of copies, there are available “Auto Density” forautomatically setting adequate image density, “Density Control” forallowing the operator to adjust image density in multiple steps, and“Combined Density Control” for allowing the operator to control only thedensity of an image printed in a dark background. For “Combined DensityControl”, in the basic picture of FIG. 3 in which “Auto Density” ishighlighted, the operator touches either a “Light” key or a “Dark” key.FIG. 11 shows a picture in which slightly high density is selected inthe combined density control condition. In this case, too, only alimited portion of the first area 80 a changes and allows the operatorto select reading conditions while recognizing the other copyingconditions.

As for the ADF, the number of documents that can be stacked is limited,and documents are automatically fed, assuming a standard thickness. Tocope with these limitations, the operator may touch the “SpecialDocument Feed” key. As a result, a picture shown in FIG. 12 appears.When the number of documents to be stacked on the ADF is greater thanthe preselected number of documents, the operator touches a “MassDocuments” key in the picture of FIG. 12. Then, the ADF automaticallyfeeds the documents without forcing the operator to press the start keyevery time the operator stacks the documents on the ADF. When theoperator touches a “Mixed Sizes” key, the ADF feeds a stack of documentsof different sizes.

Assume that the operator desires to copy any one of documents thatcannot be stacked on a feed tray, not shown, postcards or similarrelatively thick papers, and OHP (Over Head Projector) films. Then, theoperator opens the manual feed tray, touches the “Manual Feed” key, andpresses the enter key 81, FIG. 2. As a result, a picture shown in FIG.13 appears. When use is made of OHP films or thick papers of regularsize, the operator touches an “OHP” key or a “Thick Paper” key. When theoperator intending to use papers of irregular size touches an “IrregularSize” key, a picture, not shown, allowing the operator to input avertical size and a horizontal size appears. The operator watching sucha picture inputs the vertical and horizontal sizes of the papers on thenumeral keys, presses the enter key, and then presses an “OK” key. As aresult, the basic picture of FIG. 3 again appears except that the“Irregular Size” key is highlighted in placed of the “Auto PaperSelection” key.

Various kinds of enlargement and reduction are available as amagnification changing function. For example, it is possible toautomatically enlarge or reduce the size of images in accordance withthe size of papers selected. For this purpose, the operator touches the“Paper-Priority Magnification Change” key in the sixth area 80 f, FIG.3, and then selects papers. When the operator touches a “Slightly Small”key, there is set 93% reduction using the center as a reference. Whenthe operator touches the “Magnification Change” key, a picture shown inFIG. 14 and showing “−”, “+”, “Numeral Key Zoom”, “Reduce”, “Enlarge”and “Applied Magnification Change” appears.

Specifically, the picture of FIG. 14 allows the operator to setpaper-priority magnification change after setting integrated copyingwhich will be described later. The “Reduce” key or the “Enlarge” keyallows the operator to select a regular magnification or fixedmagnification (35%, 50%, 61%, 71%, 82%, 87%, 115%, 122%, 141%, 200% and400%). The “Numeral Key Zoom” allows the operator to reduce or enlargean image between 32% and 400% on a 1% basis. Alternatively, the operatormay touch the “Reduce” key or the “Enlarge” key and then adjust themagnification by using the “−” key or the “+” key. The appliedmagnification changing function includes “Dimension-PriorityMagnification Change”, “Independent Magnification Change %”, and“Independent Magnification Change mm”. The “Dimension-PriorityMagnification Change” refers to enlargement or reduction effected byspecifying the length of one side of a document and the length of oneside of a copy corresponding to each other; a magnification isautomatically calculated on the basis of the two lengths. The“Independent Magnification Change %” and “Independent MagnificationChange mm” each copies a document in a particular magnification in eachof the vertical and horizontal directions.

The copying conditions include “Edit”, “Cover/Slip Sheet” and“Duplex/Integration/Division” in addition to “Magnification Change”, asfollows. When the operator touches an “Edit”key, an “Edit” picture shownin FIG. 15 appears. As shown, the “Edit” picture includes a “DoubleCopy” key for producing two copies of a single document at the top andbottom or at the right and left of a single paper. A “Repeat” key allowsa plurality of copies of a single document to be produced on a singlepaper in accordance with the paper size and the magnification selected.A “Margin” key allows the operator to define a margin at the left or theright of a paper by touching “←”, “→”, “↓” and “↑”. A “Center Erase” keyis used to erase a shadow appearing at the center of a copy when a bookor similar bound document is copied. A “Frame Erase” key is used toerase shadows appearing around a copy derived from a book or similarbound document. With the “Center Erase” or “Frame Erase” key, it ispossible to set a desired width for erasure. Particularly, as shown inFIG. 16, the “Frame Erase” key allows the same width or a particularwidth to be set in each of the vertical and horizontal directions, asdesired. A “Centering” key automatically shifts the image of a documentto the center of a paper.

The “Cover/Slip Sheet” key allows documents to be copied on cover papersor allows slip sheets to be inserted between the chapters of documents.Specifically, there are available a “Front Cover” key for copying thefirst document page on a paper assigned to a front cover, a “BothCovers” key for copying the first and last document pages on two coverpapers, respectively, a “Chapter Division” key for inserting slip sheetsbetween the chapters of documents, and a “Slip Sheet” key for insertingslip sheets between the pages of documents. FIG. 17 shows a picture toappear when the operator touches the “Cover/Slip Sheet” key. It is to benoted that when “Simplex→Duplex” copy is selected, “Chapter Division”allows designated documents to be copied on the front sides of paperslike the first document page without exception.

By suitably combining the setting of the sides of documents and thesetting of the sides of copies, it is possible to effect duplex copying,integrated copying, and division copying, as desired. Specifically, whenthe “Duplex/Integration/Division” key is pressed, a picture shown inFIG. 18 appears. In a duplex copy mode, simplex documents may be copiedon both sides of papers, or duplex documents may be copied on both sidesof papers. If desired, a plurality of documents may be copied on asingle paper. Specifically, FIG. 19 shows a picture to appear when amode for copying each two pages of a document on one side of a paper isselected. FIG. 20 shows a specific picture in which a mode for copyingeach four pages of a document on both sides of a paper is selected.Further, FIG. 21 shows a picture for allowing the operator to select“Right/Left Spread” and “Top/Bottom Spread” for each of documents andcopies.

Division copying includes “Spread→Simplex” for copying the right andleft pages of a spread document on one side of two papers, and“Duplex→Simplex” for copying both sides of a duplex document on one sideof two papers. To select “Spread→Simplex”, the operator touches a“Division/Book” key in the picture of FIG. 18. As a result, a pictureshown in FIG. 22 appears. The operator touches an “OK” key in thepicture of FIG. 22. To select “Duplex→Simplex”, the operator presses a“Duplex” key of FIG. 18 assigned to documents, a “Simplex” key assignedto copies, and an “OK” key. A plurality of documents may be copied inorder of page in the form of a book. This kind of copying includes“Right/Left Page Duplex” for copying a spread book on both sides of apaper. “Front/Rear Page Duplex” for copying a spread document on bothsides of a paper in the same configuration as the document, “Mini Book”for copying four simplex documents in order of page, and “Magazine” forcopying a plurality of documents in order of page (when folded andstacked). FIG. 22 shows a specific condition in which “Page Duplex CopyPriority” and “Right/Left Page Duplex” are selected. To select“Front/Rear Page Duplex”, the initial setting is changed. If desired,“Right/Left” Page Duplex” and “Front/Rear Page Duplex” may be displayedtogether.

FIG. 23 shows a picture to appear when the operator intending to storeimage data read in the apparatus in the form of a file and print themout presses the copy server key 91, FIG. 2. When the operator touches a“Document Read” key appearing in the first area 80 a in FIG. 23, apicture shown in FIG. 24 appears. In FIG. 24, the first area 80 a andsixth area 80 f are identical with the corresponding areas of the basicpicture assigned to copying. The operator sets reading conditions in thepicture of in the above areas 80 a and 80 f and then causes theapparatus to read documents. Various functions available for readingdocuments are identical with the functions described in relation tocopying and will not be described specifically in order to avoidredundancy. To print the stored file, the operator calls the pictureshown in FIG. 23. Because a stored file is present, a “Print Condition”key in the fifth area 80 is highlighted. When the operator touches the“Print Condition” key, a picture shown in FIG. 25 appears. Then, theoperator selects a document and sets desired printing conditions as inthe copy mode operation.

In summary, it will be seen that the present invention provides areadable operation unit for an image forming apparatus displaying itemsrepresentative of various functions relating to image formation whileclassifying and dividing them on a switching screen. The operator cantherefore easily understand the contents of operation in relation to theother functions despite that the functions are arranged in ahierarchical construction. Further, the operator can grasp the kind ofimage data and how the image data are processed and output as a singleflow.

Various modifications will become possible for those skilled in the artafter receiving the teachings of the present disclosure withoutdeparting from the scope thereof.

1. An operation and display section of an operation unit for an imageforming apparatus, comprising: a touch-screen panel substantiallycentered on the operation unit; numeral keys and an enter key located ata right-hand side of the touch-screen panel; a clear/stop key located toa right-hand side of the numeral keys and the enter key; a start keylocated to a right-hand side of the clear/stop key, the start key beinglarger than the numeral keys; a program key, a reset/preheat key, and aninterrupt key located above the numeral keys and the enter key; and modeselecting keys, located to a left-hand side of the touch-screen panel,configured to select operational modes of the image forming apparatus.2. The operation and display section of claim 1, wherein thereset/preheat key is arranged on the left-hand side of and isindependent of the interrupt key.
 3. The operation and display sectionof claim 1, wherein the program key is positioned on the left-hand sideof and is independent of the reset/preheat key.
 4. The operation anddisplay section of claim 1, wherein a trial copy key is arranged abovethe start key.
 5. The operation and display section of claim 1, whereinthe mode selecting keys comprises a copy key and a printer key arrangedin a vertical array.
 6. The operation and display section of claim 1,further comprising a trial copy key located above the numeral keys andthe enter key.
 7. The operation and display section of claim 6, furthercomprising a setting key located to a top left-hand side of the touchscreen panel, the setting key configured to vary initial set values andoperating conditions in accordance with conditions of use.
 8. Theoperation and display section of claim 7, wherein the mode selectingkeys comprises a copy key and a printer key located below the settingkey.
 9. The operation and display section of claim 1, wherein theoperational modes of the image forming apparatus include a copier modeand a printer mode.
 10. An image forming apparatus having an operationunit, wherein an operation and display section of the operation unitcomprises: a touch-screen panel substantially centered on the operationunit; numeral keys and an enter key located at a right-hand side of thetouch-screen panel; a clear/stop key located to a right-hand side of thenumeral keys and the enter key; a start key located to a right-hand sideof the clear/stop key, the start key being larger than the numeral keys;and a program key, a reset/preheat key, and an interrupt key locatedabove the numeral keys and the enter key; mode selecting keys, locatedto a left-hand side of the touch-screen panel, configured to selectoperational modes of the image forming apparatus.
 11. The operation anddisplay section of claim 10, wherein the mode selecting keys comprises acopy key and a printer key located below a setting key.
 12. An imageforming apparatus having an operation unit, wherein an operation anddisplay section of the operation unit comprises: a touch-screen panel; asetting key, the setting key configured to vary initial set values andoperating conditions in accordance with conditions of use; and modeselecting keys configured to select operational modes of the imageforming apparatus, the mode selecting keys arranged at a left-hand sideof the touch-screen panel, below the setting key on the operation anddisplay section of the operation unit.
 13. The image forming apparatusof claim 12, wherein the mode selecting keys comprise a copy key and aprinter key arranged in a vertical array.
 14. An image forming apparatushaving an operation unit, wherein an operation and display section ofthe operation unit comprises: a touch-screen panel; numeral keys; anenter key; a clear/stop key arranged at a right-hand side of andindependently of the numeral keys and the enter key; a program key, areset/preheat key, and an interrupt key arranged above the numeral keysand the enter key; a trial key arranged at a right-hand side of andindependently of the numeral keys and the enter key; a setting keyarranged at a top left of the touch screen-panel, the setting keyconfigured to vary initial set values and operating conditions inaccordance with conditions of use; and mode selecting keys, arranged ata left-hand side of the touch-screen panel, configured to selectoperational modes of the image forming apparatus.